At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vital charity, shaping its future and ensuring exceptional care for those in need.
- Company: St Catherine’s Hospice, a trusted and ambitious community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension scheme, life assurance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to providing specialist palliative care.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while leading a passionate team towards a compassionate future.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience with a strategic mindset in complex organisations.
The predicted salary is between 110000 - 110000 £ per year.
£95,000 - £110,000 per annum (depending on experience) Full time (37.5 hours per week)
Recruitment closes on Friday 17 July 2026. This is a four stage recruitment process, please ensure you are available on the dates stated below.
St Catherine’s Hospice is seeking an inspiring new Chief Executive to lead us into our next chapter. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to build on a successful legacy while shaping the future of a vital charity, at a pivotal time for hospices.
About the role:
- Values-led leadership – living and breathing our core values every day, fostering a culture of energy, courage, expertise, connection, and not forgetting Human!
- Strategic delivery – translating our vision into clear priorities that keep St Catherine’s relevant, responsive and impactful.
- Financial sustainability – navigating ongoing financial challenges faced by the hospice sector, strengthening income generation and ensuring long-term resilience.
- Partnership & influence – building strong, constructive relationships with NHS partners, other hospices and third sector organisations, commissioners and system leaders.
- Modern and digitally savvy – ensuring the organisation continues to evolve, embracing digital innovation and using data and technology to improve care, efficiency and reach.
- People & culture – empowering staff and volunteers, developing talent and leading change with clarity and empathy.
About you:
You will be an experienced, credible leader with a strong strategic mindset and a track record of leading complex organisations through change. You may come from the hospice, health, public, voluntary or related sectors, but you will bring clear understanding of partnership working, financial stewardship and the realities of operating in a constrained funding environment.
This post is offered on a permanent, full-time basis, working 37.5 hours per week. Flexible working patterns would be considered for the successful candidate. Regular onsite attendance is required.
Please note, the successful candidate will be an essential car user, therefore candidates must have a full driving licence and access to a vehicle.
The recruitment process will be a four-stage process:
- Application process closes 17 July 2026.
- Shortlisting and testing 20 August 2026.
- Presentations to our stakeholders 4 September 2026.
- Interview Panel 7 September 2026.
Employees at St Catherine’s Hospice can enjoy a variety of benefits including:
- Generous annual leave starting at 27 days, rising to 32 days after completion of probation and 36 days with length of service, plus Bank Holidays, and an opportunity to buy/sell annual leave days.
- Generous Pension scheme with up to 9% employer contributions or honour of NHS pension.
- Life Assurance Scheme, Counselling Offering, and a range of discounts.
- Enhanced maternity and adoption pay.
How to Apply:
If you join St Catherine’s, you’ll be joining a supportive team all working towards a big ambition: a future where everyone approaching death and those who love and care for them can access compassionate, specialist palliative and end of life care. If that sounds like something you’d find fulfilling, please apply today.
Please upload either your CV or the St Catherine’s Hospice application form where it asks you to upload your application form; there is no need to complete both.
We want our recruitment process to be accessible to everyone, and we are proud to be a Disability Confident Level 2 Employer, committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you need any help completing your application form please contact our HR team.
Terms & Conditions:
This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check. By applying you are confirming you have read the Enhanced Check Privacy Policy for applicants and understand how DBS will process your personal data and the options available to you for submitting an application.
Please ensure you have read our employee and recruitment privacy statement prior to applying for this role. Must be authorised to work in the United Kingdom; please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorships.
Please note a requirement of all roles at St Catherine’s is to complete mandatory E-learning training and remain compliant with this throughout your employment.
We understand that Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be used to support some applications; whilst we do not discourage this, please ensure any documentation and applications submitted accurately and truthfully reflect your own experience and suitability for this role.
We are located in Grace Holland Avenue, Pease Pottage, Crawley, West Sussex RH11 9SL. You can access the Hospice by car, bus, bike or walking, with full transport details on our website.
If you require any additional information or would like an informal discussion with our current Chief Executive, please email jobs@stch.org.uk or give us a call on 01293 447353 and we will arrange this.
Chief Executive in Sussex employer: St. Catherine'S Hospice Limited
St Catherine's Hospice is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and values-driven work culture that prioritises compassion and community impact. With generous benefits including up to 36 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while making a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve. Located in Crawley, the hospice fosters a collaborative environment where innovation and partnership are at the forefront, ensuring a fulfilling career for those dedicated to palliative care.
Contact Details:
St. Catherine'S Hospice Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive in Sussex
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by St. Catherine'S Hospice Limited.
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✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at St. Catherine'S Hospice Limited.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
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We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive in Sussex
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Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of St. Catherine'S Hospice Limited. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
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Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Chief Executive, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at St. Catherine'S Hospice Limited
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of St. Catherine'S Hospice Limited. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
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Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
